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    Last update 21/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in the Scottish Borders, UK


    Introduction

    Founders and small business owners in the Scottish Borders can access a diverse mix of financial support, from grants to government-backed loans, through Scottish Borders Council, Business Gateway Scottish Borders, and other regional agencies. These resources aim to fuel growth, innovation, sustainability, and rural and tourism development.


    Advice on Applying

    1. Contact Business Gateway Scottish Borders
      Begin your journey by booking time with advisors who help match your business to suitable funding and support your application ([turn0search13]).

    2. Check Eligibility
      Carefully explore criteria including sector, trading history, business location, and required match funding.

    3. Prepare a Strong Application
      Include a sound business plan, two-year financial projections, quotes, and a clear rationale for the funding.

    4. Submit Early
      Many schemes have fixed opening windows or limited funds—early submission increases your chances.

    5. Get Additional Support
      Advisors at Business Gateway and the South of Scotland Enterprise unit can help strengthen eligibility and financial clarity (Scottish Borders Council, Wikipedia, Scottish Borders Council, Wikipedia).


    Grant & Loan Programmes

    🔹 LEADER (Rural Development Programme)

    • Previously supported rural business and community projects under SRDP.

    • Closed for new applications – no replacement post-Brexit (Scottish Borders Council).


    🔹 Visit Scotland Growth Fund

    • Offers funding to tourism businesses for product and experience innovation.

    • Managed separately; apply directly via Visit Scotland (not currently listed on council site).


    🔹 Scottish Borders Business Loan Fund (SBBLF)


    🔹 Business Loans Scotland

    • Loans up to £100,000 via a consortium of local Scottish authorities (Scottish Borders Council).

    • Particularly suited for scaling businesses or capital investment projects.


    🔹 Start‑Up Loans Scheme

    • National loan scheme offering £500–£25,000 at 6% APR plus 12 months mentoring.

    • Ideal for new ventures under 24 months old.


    🔹 South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE)


    🔹 New CLLD / LAG Funds

    • The Scottish Borders Local Action Group (LAG) recently launched Community-Led Local Development funding, offering grants between £1,500–£20,000 for local and community-led economic initiatives (Scottish Borders Council).


    Key Contacts & Resources


    How to Apply

    1. Engage advisors early at Business Gateway or SoSE to tailor funding options.

    2. Download and read relevant guidance and forms from the council or national portals.

    3. Assemble documentation: quotes, financial forecasts, matching funds.

    4. Use additional expertise for mentorship, export planning, or business planning via Business Gateway/SoSE.

    5. Submit applications within deadlines—many schemes are rolling, but timely submissions are essential.


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     
    🔹 What is the Business Loan Fund (SBBLF)?
    Loans of £1,000–£20,000 over up to three years, with 25% match-funding required (Scottish Borders Council).

     
    ▫️ Can I get a larger loan?
    Yes—Business Loans Scotland offers loans of up to £100,000 for SMEs operating in the Borders (Scottish Borders Council).

     
    🔹 Is rural funding still available?
    The EU‑backed LEADER programme closed in 2019; the council no longer accepts new applications (Scottish Borders Council).

     
    ▫️ What is the LAG/CLLD fund?
    New fund offering £1,500–£20,000 for locally led economic regeneration projects launched in April 2025 (Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Borders Council).

     
    🔹 Who can apply for the Scottish Borders loan?
    Any small to medium enterprise or community organisation in the region includes loans via the council and Business Loans Scotland.

     
    ▫️ Do I need match funding?
    Yes—for SBBLF, typically 25%; other schemes vary based on provider.

     
    🔹 How do I get support writing a business plan?
    Business Gateway and SoSE can provide mentoring, planning workshops, and investor readiness support (borderstsi.org.uk, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Borders Council, Business Gateway | Business Gateway).

     
    ▫️ Where are funding deadlines listed?
    Check the council’s “Business funding and grants” page or contact Business Gateway for dates (Scottish Borders Council).

     

     

     

     

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